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Duke Energy is in discussion with large companies, including Google and Facebook, to use renewable energy to power new electricity needs in North Carolina. Companies can pay a premium and Duke will pour energy of the companies’ choice—solar or wind, for instance—into the grid to match the amount of power used. The new program sailed through the state utilities commission last month, but some environmental organizations question its potential. WFAE’s Ben Bradford joined Morning Edition host Kevin Kniestedt to explain.

Between Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, Target, and Family Dollar, North Carolina has a lot of competitors in the grocery business. Now, add one more. Publix, the upscale Southern supermarket chain broke ground Thursday on a new store in Ballantyne, its first in North Carolina. The move is the latest volley in a supermarket war.